The state of parasitoid wasp genomics

• Published in: Trends in parasitology 2024-10, Vol.40 (10), p.914-929
• Main Authors: Ye, Xinhai, Yang, Yi, Zhao, Xianxin, Fang, Qi, Ye, Gongyin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: comparative genomics; endogenous viruses; genome sequencing; genome size; parasitoid wasps; venom evolution
• ISSN: 1471-4922; 1471-5007; 1471-5007
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.08.003

The past two decades have witnessed a rapid increase in the genomic sequencing of parasitoid wasps, amassing a rich dataset for detailed studies.Genome size variability in parasitoid wasps is linked to the dynamic evolution of transposable elements.Genomic studies have discovered that a number of genomic changes may be linked to key traits in parasitoid wasps, such as reduced body size, host range shift, and sex determination.The genomic data provide robust support for studying the diversity and evolution of parasitic effectors, including venoms and polydnaviruses.Deeper genomic research is poised to provide insights into the evolution of parasitoid diversity, and the genomic knowledge obtained could be used for enhancing the application of parasitoid wasps in biological control. Parasitoid wasps represent a group of parasitic insects with high species diversity that have played a pivotal role in biological control and evolutionary studies. Over the past 20 years, developments in genomics have greatly enhanced our understanding of the biology of these species. Technological leaps in sequencing have facilitated the improvement of genome quality and quantity, leading to the availability of hundreds of parasitoid wasp genomes. Here, we summarize recent progress in parasitoid wasp genomics, focusing on the evolution of genome size (GS) and the genomic basis of several key traits. We also discuss the contributions of genomics in studying venom evolution and endogenization of viruses. Finally, we advocate for increased sequencing and functional research to better understand parasitoid biology and enhance biological control. Parasitoid wasps represent a group of parasitic insects with high species diversity that have played a pivotal role in biological control and evolutionary studies. Over the past 20 years, developments in genomics have greatly enhanced our understanding of the biology of these species. Technological leaps in sequencing have facilitated the improvement of genome quality and quantity, leading to the availability of hundreds of parasitoid wasp genomes. Here, we summarize recent progress in parasitoid wasp genomics, focusing on the evolution of genome size (GS) and the genomic basis of several key traits. We also discuss the contributions of genomics in studying venom evolution and endogenization of viruses. Finally, we advocate for increased sequencing and functional research to better understand parasitoid biology and enhance biological control.